Adapted by David Cronenberg from the Tony Award–winning play by David Henry Hwang, this espionage film—based on a true story—chronicles the 20-year relationship between French diplomat René Gallimard (Jeremy Irons) and his "little butterfly," Beijing Opera star Song Liling (John Lone). René believes he's found the perfect woman, but after a love affair of nearly 20 years, he finds he cannot believe anything about the beguiling, secretive singer. Filled with stunning revelations, this provocative 1993 film is set against the chaos of China's Cultural Revolution and the French Indochina War.